Some healthy living tips for wheelchair users

Reports have stated that wheelchair users get depressed and tends to follow unhealthy lifestyles most of the time. By following certain tips, a wheelchair user can stay mentally and physically fit. Having a positive outlook towards life is all that matters. Here are some healthy living tips for wheelchair users.

When you are a wheelchair user, there are many hurdles and obstacles that you follow in daily life. Reports state that a large number of wheelchair users are either unhealthy or depressed. This is indeed a cause for concern. Many people think that it is impossible to remain healthy when on a wheelchair. By adopting healthy lifestyle and good habits, outlook towards life can change and you can also stay positive.

Preetha Thonnakkal, a wheelchair user from Trivandrum believes in a strict no carbohydrate diet for healthy living.

Since the past many years, I have been closely watching my diet. I believe that eating habits matter a lot in maintaining a good and healthy lifestyle. I avoid fried and sugary foods. Since I cannot do all exercises, I try and do whatever I can by sitting on my bed. Spending time with family and friends make me happy which in turns helps me have a good mental health as well – Preetha Thonnakkal, wheelchair user.

Here are some healthy living tips for wheelchair users

• Regular physical exercise matter – Physical exercises for a wheelchair user can be different from others. Hence, it is important to hire a trainer who can help you do the correct work outs. From sitting in the wheelchair on a right posture to adopting different exercises is very important. Weight training and cardio vascular exercises can do wonders.
• Eat healthy, stay healthy– It is important to watch your diet. Know what you eat. There are hundreds of options available in the market which are both healthy and unhealthy. Hence, it is important to pick the right ones. Avoid junk food, beverages, sugary items and fried foods. Apart from weight increase, these foods can cause many lifestyle diseases too.
• Stay mentally fit– Having a healthy and happy mind is just as important as a healthy body. When you are a wheelchair user, there are high chances of being depressed and low when you look around. That is why it is important to look at the brighter side of life. Mediation helps a lot. Connect with positive people. Spending time with family and friends can also be of great help.
• Do what you love – Are you someone who likes travelling? Do you love reading books? For every person, it is important to pursue things that they love. Follow your heart and chase your dreams. This will make you feel positive in life and happy as well.

“Eating the right foods and doing what I love is something very important to me when it comes to adopting a healthy lifestyle. Spend time with your loved ones to bring the best out of you”, says Dhanya Gopinath, wheelchair user.

Also Read: Tips for being independent as a wheelchair user

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